Visiting Detroit? Read This Thread!

[The Zetterberg Era]

As part of my tour of the US and Canada next Month, I had to stop over in Detroit to catch a game. Will be watching the Canadiens taking on the Red Wings and be in Detroit on Nov 14/15/16.

Will be staying at Westin Book Cadillac and other than the Hockey game, haven't really looked into good places to eat/what to do.

Any locals got some ideas?

Honestly has been a while since I have lived in Detroit, even then I was suburban based. When I visit family and friends I also usually stay outside the city and I am busy enough I don't make it downtown except for trying to work in one night at the JLA.

Let help him out with some ideas guys, I think it would be better to get advice from a current resident and I am afraid I cannot help a ton in terms of the eatery and night life. Was always a big fan of some of the places in mexico village and Greektown. You are a stones through from Lafayette Coney Island, which I would suggest as it is a very Detroit place to eat.

On one of your days, I really do advise going to the Detroit Institute of Art. If you're not a museum person that might not be for you. But both the Ford Museum and Greenfield Village out in Dearborn and DIA are unique places with a lot of history and cool things to see. Not sure of your transportation situation.

But come on Wings fans lets help him out, looking forward to you seeing the city in less than a fortnight, hopefully the Wings smash the Canadiens to take or build on sole possession of first while you're in town.

 

[guinness]

There are really good places to eat downtown, but it sort of depends on what type of food you're into.

When I do make it back home, I usually end up going to Slows in Corktown for BBQ or over to Mexicantown, which isn't too far from Corktown (not going to mention a 'best' Mexican place, as they're all pretty good, although I like Los Galanes or Mi Pueblo, but YMMV. (I could eat Mexican just about everyday though)

Lafayette or American CC are fine, but other than the experience/location, I'm fine with National CC or even Kirby's.

There are some good microbrews too, but I've only been in Motor City Brewing, IIRC that's somewhere on Cass, near the Masonic.

There are some good places around Eastern Market too, and I've heard Roma cafe is good for Italian, but I've never been, but Eastern Market is just cool to see.

 

[Mijatovic]

Thanks Guys for the tips.

Probably hit up a few of the microbreweries, eateries, and the Museum. Any activities worth mentioning?

If anyone by some mistake ends up in Perth, I will gladly return the favour

 

[RabidBadger]

Detroit beer company prolly has the best local micros and a decent menu, also a fan of motor city brew works,as Guiness mentioned. Atwater brewery is not as good but a nice place to grab a pint. Avoid Hockeytown Cafe unless you want to view Wings memorabilia. I always recommend a tour of Belle Isle, truly an amazing park. I feel like a traitor for recommending something in the burbs, but Go Comedy in Ferndale makes for a great night out and is not too far from downtown. I'll have toget back to you about events but 'the metro times' and 'detroit free press' online might be good sources for you. Feel free to hit me up on PM if you need anymore info.

 

[Mijatovic]

The Comedy thing sounds fantastic. I will see if I can fit it in.

 

[silkyjohnson50]

I'd definitely recommend Slow's as well if you enjoy BBQ.

 

[guinness]

If not already mentioned and you like cars and historic buildings, a visit the Henry Ford/Greenfield Village is nice too, although they have been charging for parking for the past couple years, so it can be a bit more expensive.

And if you want some more 'local color', you could take a drive up Woodward, from downtown to Pontiac...and if venturing into Highland Park, I would highly recommend either the original Buddy's or the Dakota Inn, and since you'd be that close to Hamtramck, Polonia and Srodek's.

Honestly, of anything I do miss of Detroit, it's going downtown and seeing the cool architecture, and the food.

And stock up on some Faygo and Better Made chips.

 

[GrafSk8r12]

JUST bought tickets to the December 21st game against Colorado. It'll be my first Wings game in Detroit and I'm so f'ing psyched. Thanks for all the great info posted here. It'll definitely come in handy!

 

[drw02]

There are also 3 fairly large casinos (MGM, Motor City, and Greektown) in Detroit, so if you like to gamble or just like that kind of atmosphere that's also a thing to do. There are several fine dining restaurants and upscale nightclubs located within the casinos as well. Motor City casino is my favorite but it is the furthest of the 3 from the JLA vicinity.

Dino Ciccarelli recently opened a bar called Ciccarelli 22 that's just a few blocks from JLA. Haven't been yet but heard good things. Some other popular bars and nightclubs are Cliff Bells, Old Shillelagh, Anchor Bar, Cobo Joe's, Delux Lounge, The Well, Centaur Bar, Skybar, Town Pump Tavern, Cheli's, Bagley Bar, Detroit Beer Co, LIV Resto, Park Bar...just to name a few.

 

[Hemlor]

Hey guys, Habs fan coming in peace. I am thinking of going to the Habs-Wings game Nov 16 but I've never been to the Joe, does anyone have opinions on seating? From what I have heard there is no bad seat but are there opinions on better seating? I have seen tix in sxn 228 about halfway up the section. I could not find any images of seating views but the price seemed reasonable. Any info anyone has would be greatly appreciated

Thanks

 

[Michael Farkas]

Non-Detroit question, if I may, this is the best chance I have for getting information - locals. As the websites I've come across have been less than helpful.

I'm going to fly from Philadelphia to Grand Rapids, en route to Kalamazoo (half price to fly into GR). I know this is kind of a longshot maybe in the western part of the state perhaps, but is there any reasonable way I can travel from GR to Kalamazoo via public transportation (bus, train, etc.)?

Thanks kindly!

 

[SoupNazi]

Non-Detroit question, if I may, this is the best chance I have for getting information - locals. As the websites I've come across have been less than helpful.

I'm going to fly from Philadelphia to Grand Rapids, en route to Kalamazoo (half price to fly into GR). I know this is kind of a longshot maybe in the western part of the state perhaps, but is there any reasonable way I can travel from GR to Kalamazoo via public transportation (bus, train, etc.)?

Thanks kindly!

I just searched Greyhound's website. $12 for a ticket one way from GR to Kalamazoo next Friday.

 

[Michael Farkas]

I just searched Greyhound's website. $12 for a ticket one way from GR to Kalamazoo next Friday.

...yoi. Looked for little local stuff, didn't even think to check, ya know, the biggest bus company out there...no chance they'd be able to help...

Super, thanks for this!

 

[Konnan511]

Scored some tickets to Sundays game against Montreal, first Wings game in like 15 years for me!!!

 

[Mijatovic]

I had breakfast at the Hudson Cafe yesterday. Best place I've had breakfast in America so far. Was really impressed.

Was going to go to Slows but ended up Big City Bar and Grill. Ordered two starters and when the Nachos came out, I was blown away how huge it was. Reasonable food and we had a a few drinks for just over $40 for 2 so was reasonablly priced.

Really looking forward to tonight's game!

 

[WarriorOfGandhi]

hey Michiganders, I got a job offer in Ann Arbor and I'm making the move next month. Can anyone recommend neighborhoods and places to live, preferably in the vicinity of the south side of town, along with any good bars/restaurants, the rec hockey scene, and anything else that's noteworthy.

 

[SauceCheese91]

Looking to buy tickets to the Rangers and Wings game this saturday. Is the Wings website the best to buy ticks from?

Also is there any type of bus from Windsor before/after the game or any decent hotels around the Joe?


Thanks guys!

 

[guinness]

Looking to buy tickets to the Rangers and Wings game this saturday. Is the Wings website the best to buy ticks from?

Also is there any type of bus from Windsor before/after the game or any decent hotels around the Joe?


Thanks guys!

I would try stubhub first, you won't have to pay any ticketmaster fees.

Hotels downtown? There's the casinos, Book Cadillac, the Marriot in the RenCen, some others in Greektown. Not sure about shuttles but I imagine there are some.

 

[Mijatovic]

Westin Book was absolutely top notch. I loved it. Shuttles left from the bar next door for the game as well

 

[Bankerguy]

How are things going in Detroit? I remember reading an article last year that went on about how poor the city has become.

Have things turned around?

 

[S1N4TR4]

CBJ fan coming in peace (if possible) haha. My girlfriend and I are making the trip up to Detroit for the game Tuesday. First time in Detroit. Where's the best place to park? Pumped to experience the hyped atmosphere compared to Nationwide Arena lol.

 

[WingedWheel1987]

CBJ fan coming in peace (if possible) haha. My girlfriend and I are making the trip up to Detroit for the game Tuesday. First time in Detroit. Where's the best place to park? Pumped to experience the hyped atmosphere compared to Nationwide Arena lol.

Park at Greektown Casino parking structure. It's free and within walking distance of all five bars downtown Detroit has. Also there are several shuttles you can take for free to the Joe for the game. They also pick you up after the game.

These resturants/bars offer free a shuttle to the game. You don't have to tip the bus driver, but most people do. (couple bucks)

Fishbones
Old Shillelagh

If you aren't interested in going out after, you could just park at the Joe Louis parking structure. I think it costs 10 bucks to park. I rarely do it, but it's not bad.

 

[Islesin93*]

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[anlongo13]

Headed to Detroit March 22nd to watch the Wings-Blues game. Trying to get it a bit organized. Does anyone know what hotel the visiting players usually stay? Trying to look up prices and see if I can swing it.

Looking forward to visiting Hockeytown. Should be a great experience.

 

[DTownWingNut]

Headed to Detroit March 22nd to watch the Wings-Blues game. Trying to get it a bit organized. Does anyone know what hotel the visiting players usually stay? Trying to look up prices and see if I can swing it.

Looking forward to visiting Hockeytown. Should be a great experience.

I don't believe they stay downtown. A lot of visiting teams/celebrities stay at the Townsend in Birmingham from what I remember. Not sure if that is still true or not.